🥦The Brassica Family
What Are Brassicas?
Brassicas are cool-season vegetables that thrive in Minnesota’s spring and fall weather. Many actually taste sweeter after frost, making them ideal for northern gardens.
The brassica family includes:
- 🥗 Arugula (Eruca sativa)
- 🌱 Mustard greens (Brassica juncea)
- 🌱 Turnips (Brassica rapa)
- 🌱 Rutabaga (Brassica napus)
- 🥬 Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)
- 🥗 Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)
- 🥬Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
- 🥦 Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
- 🌿 Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
- 🌱 Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
- 🌾 Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)
Brassicass thrive in cool weather. They tend to be frost tolerant, excellent for spring & fall harvests, nutritious and high-yielding, as well as many varieties available for small spaces
Soil & Fertility
Brassicas prefer:
- Soil pH: 6.5–7.0
- High organic matter
- Consistent nitrogen supply
- Even watering
For research-based guidance, consult the University of Minnesota Extension, which provides region-specific planting charts and variety recommendations.